More to Do
First-Time Attendees
Thank you for attending the Joint Statistical Meetings in Denver, Colorado!
Interested in a general overview of the JSM program? Download the JSM 2019 schedule-at-a-glance.
Complete program information can be found in the online program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does JSM stand for?
JSM is the “Joint Statistical Meetings,” the largest gathering of statisticians held in North America. View the full list of associations that jointly sponsor this meeting.
I’m here! What do I do first?
Once you are settled into your hotel, stop by Registration and JSM Help Desk in the convention center. You can pick up your welcome packet, which includes a hard copy of the program guide, the awards booklet, and a badge holder (or badge if you left yours at home). You also get a nice bag to carry these things around in. First-time attendees and docents can request a ribbon to attach to their badge that specifies these distinctions. If you are a chapter or section officer, pick up a ribbon for that, too! The JSM badge will enable you to enter the conference center, mixers, and EXPO.
What is the difference between special sessions, invited sessions or panels, topic-contributed sessions or panels, and contributed sessions?
Special sessions are introductory overview lectures or late-breaking sessions presented concurrently with other sessions. More than likely, these will be given by renowned statisticians.
Invited sessions, including plenary sessions and named lectures, are pre-organized sessions with speakers who have been invited or are expected to give talks based on their position in the organization (e.g., the President’s Invited Address). Plenary sessions are given at a time during which they do not compete with other sessions. Awards are given at some of these events, as well.
Topic-contributed sessions are planned about eight months in advance of JSM. These are typically based on a single topic and organized by one or two people. If you submitted an abstract to the JSM planning committee, you will most likely be in a contributed session. These are papers that have been grouped together based on a theme.
TIP: The type of session does not necessarily reflect its quality. In the past, promising talks have fallen short due to an apparent lack of preparation, while some contributed session presentations were excellent, as it was obvious they were rehearsed. Go to sessions you think will be interesting; do not limit yourself to only “renowned” speakers.
Invited sessions, including plenary sessions and named lectures, are pre-organized sessions with speakers who have been invited or are expected to give talks based on their position in the organization (e.g., the President’s Invited Address). Plenary sessions are given at a time during which they do not compete with other sessions. Awards are given at some of these events, as well.
Topic-contributed sessions are planned about eight months in advance of JSM. These are typically based on a single topic and organized by one or two people. If you submitted an abstract to the JSM planning committee, you will most likely be in a contributed session. These are papers that have been grouped together based on a theme.
TIP: The type of session does not necessarily reflect its quality. In the past, promising talks have fallen short due to an apparent lack of preparation, while some contributed session presentations were excellent, as it was obvious they were rehearsed. Go to sessions you think will be interesting; do not limit yourself to only “renowned” speakers.
What are roundtable discussions?
These are small group talks that occur in conjunction with breakfast and lunch, giving you the opportunity to network while discussing a topic of interest. Roundtables are ticketed events in which space is limited, so it is best to register for them prior to JSM.
What is the Professional Development (PD) Program?
PD is the process of improving and broadening the knowledge, skill, and personal qualities needed to be successful in the practice of statistics. To meet your professional development needs, the ASA offers Continuing Education and Professional Skills Development courses and workshops at JSM. These offerings are ticketed events in which space is limited, so it is best to register for them prior to JSM.
What are the EXPO, ASA Store, and Cyber Center?
Whatever you do, do not miss walking through the EXPO, where many of the JSM sponsors have booths. While you can pick up novelties, there are also many academic, employer (i.e., recruiter), and publisher booths. The EXPO is also where you will find Spotlight Denver, allowing you to experience a little bit of the city, grab a coffee, or even have your picture taken with fun props.
The ASA Store is usually in the EXPO. ASA merchandise (e.g., shirts, jackets, coffee mugs) can be purchased there. Also, shirts from previous JSMs can be purchased there at a discount.
In the years before portable devices with email and internet access became ubiquitous, JSM began offering the Cyber Center. There usually is not a long wait to access the internet or send a quick email at these computer kiosks. If your cell phone battery is low and you need to make a reservation, head there!
The ASA Store is usually in the EXPO. ASA merchandise (e.g., shirts, jackets, coffee mugs) can be purchased there. Also, shirts from previous JSMs can be purchased there at a discount.
In the years before portable devices with email and internet access became ubiquitous, JSM began offering the Cyber Center. There usually is not a long wait to access the internet or send a quick email at these computer kiosks. If your cell phone battery is low and you need to make a reservation, head there!
What is the Career Service?
This is a full-service recruiting facility, usually near the EXPO, in which employers look for and meet with job seekers. There is an additional fee to register for the Career Service.
How can I begin networking?
Be adventurous! Go to sessions on topics you have heard only a little about. Don’t be afraid to reach out to speakers or attendees if you have questions. Many lunches are planned after the 10:30 a.m. session (i.e., not much planning a priori), so if you are talking to someone, ask if they have plans—you never know what connections you will make and how they will serve you in the long run!
Who are these docents, and what can they do for me?
Docents are JSM attendees identified with a special ribbon on their badge or an orange button who will be at the First-Time Attendee Orientation and Reception and also answer your questions related to JSM throughout the conference.